The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-1 to give the facts surrounding a death row prisoners’ conviction a closer look. If the board finds in Julius Jones’ favor it will recommend Gov. Kevin Stitt commute his death sentence.
Jones is asking the board to release him from prison entirely. He and his attorneys allege Jones’ co-defendant set him up for the murder conviction to save himself.
Two other Oklahoma prisoners and one in Arkansas claim to have heard Jones’ co-defendant admit to framing him.
One of Jones’ attorneys, Dale Baich, praised the board for its decision to hear Jones’ side of the story.
"I am confident that simply by presenting the facts the board will have no choice but to conclude … that Julius is innocent and should be released," said Baich.
Attorney General Mike Hunter said he was disappointed in the board members who voted to hear the case. He said they didn’t rely on the law or evidence to make their decision.
If the board chooses to recommend commutation in June, Stitt will then decide whether Jones goes free.
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